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Abstract:

In one embodiment, a method for coordinating operation of X-ray detectors
in a wireless X-ray system includes detecting multiple wireless X-ray
detectors within an operative range of an X-ray base station, the
detected X-ray detectors each having one of multiple possible statuses,
including an active status corresponding to a designation of the X-ray
detector as a desired recipient of radiation during a current X-ray
imaging sequence, an inactive status corresponding to a designation of
the X-ray detector as not the desired recipient of radiation during a
current X-ray imaging sequence, and an unenabled status corresponding to
the X-ray detector not being configured to operate with the X-ray base
station. The method also includes determining the current status of each
detected X-ray detector and displaying on a user-viewable screen a visual
indication of the status of each detected X-ray detector.

Claims:

1. A method for coordinating operation of X-ray detectors in a wireless
X-ray system, comprising: detecting a plurality of wireless X-ray
detectors within an operative range of an X-ray base station, a first of
the X-ray detectors having an active status corresponding to a
designation of the first X-ray detector as a desired recipient of
radiation during a current X-ray imaging sequence, and a second X-ray
detector having a status different from the active status; determining
the current status of each detected X-ray detector; and displaying on a
user-viewable screen a visual indication of the status of each detected
X-ray detector.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the second X-ray detector is configured
to operate with the X-ray base station, and wherein the status displayed
for the second X-ray detector is an inactive status corresponding to a
designation of the second X-ray detector as not the desired recipient of
radiation during a current X-ray imaging sequence.

3. The method of claim 2, comprising receiving a user input on the X-ray
base station for changing which of the first and the second X-ray
detectors has an active status.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the second X-ray detector is not
configured to operate with the X-ray base station, and wherein the status
displayed for the second X-ray detector is an unenabled status.

5. The method of claim 4, comprising receiving a user input on the X-ray
base station for configuring the second X-ray detector for operation with
the X-ray base station.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein configuration of the second X-ray
detector comprises an interchange of calibration data between the
detector and the X-ray base station.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein configuration of the second X-ray
detector comprises verifying compatibility of software and firmware of
the detector for use with the X-ray base station.

8. The method of claim 1, comprising displaying on the user-viewable
screen identifying data of the detected X-ray detectors.

9. The method of claim 1, comprising receiving a user input for
indicating which of the first and second X-ray detectors has an active
status, and emitting from the first X-ray detector a user-discernible
indication that it has an active status.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the user-discernible indication
comprises illumination of a light from the first X-ray detector.

11. The method of claim 1, comprising displaying an icon on the
user-viewable screen indicating that multiple X-ray detectors have been
detected.

12. The method of claim 1, comprising displaying on the user-viewable
screen a listing of all detected X-ray detectors within the operative
range, receiving a user selection of one of the detected X-ray detectors,
and displaying on the user-viewable screen a visual indication of the
status of the selected X-ray detector.

13. A method for coordinating operation of X-ray detectors in a wireless
X-ray system, comprising: detecting a plurality of wireless X-ray
detectors within an operative range of an X-ray base station, the
detected X-ray detectors each having one of multiple possible statuses,
including an active status corresponding to a designation of the X-ray
detector as a desired recipient of radiation during a current X-ray
imaging sequence, an inactive status corresponding to a designation of
the X-ray detector as not the desired recipient of radiation during a
current X-ray imaging sequence, and an unenabled status corresponding to
the X-ray detector not being configured to operate with the X-ray base
station; determining the current status of each detected X-ray detector;
and displaying on a user-viewable screen a visual indication of the
status of each detected X-ray detector.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the visual indication comprises a
listing of the detected X-ray detectors and their respective status.

15. The method of claim 13, comprising disabling emission of X-rays from
the X-ray base station if no detected detector has an active status.

16. The method of claim 13, comprising receiving a user input on the
X-ray base station for changing which of the detected X-ray detectors has
an active status, and changing the status of the X-ray detectors based
upon the input.

17. The method of claim 13, comprising receiving a user input on the
X-ray base station for configuring an X-ray detector having an unenabled
status, and entering into a configuration routine in response to the
input.

18. The method of claim 13, comprising receiving a user input for
indicating which of the detected X-ray detectors has an active status,
and emitting from the X-ray detector a user-discernable indication that
it has an active status.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the user-discernable indication
comprises illumination of a light from the active X-ray detector.

20. The method of claim 13, comprising displaying an icon on the
user-viewable screen indicating that multiple X-ray detectors have been
detected.

21. The method of claim 13, comprising displaying on the user-viewable
screen a listing of all detected X-ray detectors within the operative
range, receiving a user selection of one of the detected X-ray detectors,
and displaying on the user-viewable screen a visual indication of the
status of the selected X-ray detector.

22. The method of claim 13, comprising receiving a user input identifying
which X-ray detector is to have an active status.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the user input originates from the
X-ray detector that is to have the active status.

24. The method of claim 17, comprising wirelessly updating configuration
data between the detector and the X-ray base station.

25. The method of claim 13, comprising assigning active status to any
detector physically coupled to the X-ray base station.

26. A wireless X-ray detector operation coordination system, comprising:
detection circuitry configured to detect a plurality of wireless X-ray
detectors within an operative range of an X-ray base station and to
determine a current status of each detected X-ray detector, the detected
X-ray detectors each having one of multiple possible statuses, including
an active status corresponding to a designation of the X-ray detector as
a desired recipient of radiation during a current X-ray imaging sequence,
an inactive status corresponding to a designation of the X-ray detector
as not the desired recipient of radiation during a current X-ray imaging
sequence, and an unenabled status corresponding to the X-ray detector not
being configured to operate with the X-ray base station; and a
user-viewable screen configured to display a visual indication of the
status of each detected X-ray detector.

27. The system of claim 26, wherein the detection circuitry is provided
in a fixed X-ray base station.

28. The system of claim 26, wherein the detection circuitry is provided
in a mobile X-ray base station.

29. The system of claim 26, wherein the X-ray base station is configured
to receive an input to change which of the detected X-ray detectors has
an active status.

30. The system of claim 26, wherein the X-ray base station is configured
to receive an input to configure an X-ray detector having an unenabled
status and to enter into a configuration routine in response to the
input.

31. The system of claim 26, wherein the X-ray base station is configured
to receive an input to indicate which of the detected X-ray detectors has
an active status, and the system comprises an active X-ray detector
configured to emit a user-discernible indication in response to the
input.

32. The system of claim 26, wherein the user-viewable screen is
configured to display an icon indicating that multiple X-ray detectors
have been detected.

Description:

[0002] The advent of digital X-ray detectors has brought enhanced workflow
and high image quality to medical imaging. In the current state of the
art medical imaging environments, X-ray imaging systems include an
imaging subsystem and a detector. The imaging subsystem may be fixed or
mobile and may use a detachable or wireless detector. Current imaging
subsystems are calibrated for and permanently integrated with specific
detectors, potentially multiple wireless detectors. That is, any one of
several detectors may function with the imaging subsystem to receive
radiation during an imaging sequence and produce image data that can be
reconstructed into the desired image. However, if the imaging system
lacks the ability to sense and manage multiple wireless detectors,
potential problems may arise. For example, a user may have trouble
determining prior to an exposure whether the specific detector being used
is configured with the imaging system. Also, if multiple detectors
configured with the imaging system are located within the vicinity of the
imaging system, exposures may occur with a detector that is not the
primary detector. This may pose problems in the retrieval of the image
data, and in come cases, could require reimaging the subject, raising the
level of exposure unnecessarily.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In accordance with one embodiment, a method for coordinating
operation of X-ray detectors in a wireless X-ray system includes
detecting multiple wireless X-ray detectors within an operative range of
an X-ray base station, a first of the X-ray detector having an active
status corresponding to a designation of the first X-ray detector as a
desired recipient of radiation during a current X-ray imaging sequence,
and a second X-ray detector having a status different from the active
status. The method also includes determining the current status of each
detected X-ray detector and displaying on a user-viewable screen a visual
indication of the status of each detected X-ray detector.

[0004] In accordance with another embodiment, a method for coordinating
operation of X-ray detectors in a wireless X-ray system includes
detecting multiple wireless X-ray detectors within an operative range of
an X-ray base station, the detected X-ray detectors each having one of
multiple possible statuses, including an active status corresponding to a
designation of the X-ray detector as a desired recipient of radiation
during a current X-ray imaging sequence, an inactive status corresponding
to a designation of the X-ray detector as not the desired recipient of
radiation during a current X-ray imaging sequence, and an unenabled
status corresponding to the X-ray detector not being configured to
operate with the X-ray base station. The method also includes determining
the current status of each detected X-ray detector and displaying on a
user-viewable screen a visual indication of the status of each detected
X-ray detector.

[0005] In accordance with a further embodiment, a wireless X-ray detector
operation coordination system includes detection circuitry configured to
detect a plurality of wireless X-ray detectors within an operative range
of an X-ray base station and to determine a current status of each
detected X-ray detector, the detected X-ray detectors each having one of
multiple possible statuses, including an active status corresponding to a
designation of the X-ray detector as not the desired recipient of
radiation during a current X-ray imaging sequence, and an unenabled
status corresponding to the X-ray detector not being configured to
operate with the X-ray base station. The system also includes a
user-viewable screen configured to display a visual indication of the
status of each detected X-ray detector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present
invention will become better understood when the following detailed
description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which
like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

[0007]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wireless X-ray system, in
accordance with aspects of the present technique;

[0008]FIG. 2 is a diagrammatical overview of the wireless X-ray system of
FIG. 1;

[0009]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a detector connected to an X-ray
base station of FIG. 1, in accordance with aspects of the present
technique;

[0010]FIG. 4 is an example of a screen for registering the detector with
the wireless X-ray system;

[0011]FIG. 5 is an example of a screen for displaying the statuses of
detectors within the vicinity of the wireless X-ray system;

[0012]FIG. 6 is an example of a screen for displaying the acquisition
status of the wireless X-ray system;

[0013]FIG. 7 is a diagrammatical side view of the use of multiple
detectors, such as in a trauma situation;

[0014]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the wireless X-ray system of FIG. 1
with detector connected to an X-ray base station in the presence of
multiple detectors; and

[0015] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of a method for coordinating operation of
X-ray detectors, in accordance with aspects of the present technique.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Referring generally to FIG. 1, a wireless X-ray system is
represented, referenced generally by reference numeral 10. In the
illustrated embodiment, the wireless X-ray system 10 is a digital X-ray
system designed both to acquire original image data and to process the
image data for display in accordance with the present techniques. In the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the wireless X-ray system 10 includes
an X-ray base station 12 in wireless communication with multiple digital
X-ray detectors 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 located within the operative range
of the X-ray base station 12. The X-ray system 10 is configured to
coordinate operation of the multiple digital X-ray detectors 14. The
X-ray base station 12 may be a mobile imaging system that includes a
wheeled base 24. Alternatively, the X-ray base station 12 may be a fixed
imaging system. The X-ray base station 12 has an X-ray source 26 and in
conjunction with the digital X-ray detector 14 is operable to perform
X-ray imaging. The X-ray base station 12 may recognize and communicate
with the multiple X-ray detectors 14, as previously described in U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/934,338 filed on Nov. 2, 2007, and U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 12/506,067 filed on Jul. 20, 2009, which are
hereby incorporated by reference.

[0017] The multiple X-ray detectors 14 may have one of a variety of
statuses in relation to the wireless X-ray system 10 including an active
status where the detector 14 is the desired recipient of radiation during
a current X-ray imaging sequence, an inactive status where the detector
is not the desired recipient of radiation during a current X-ray imaging
sequence, or an unenabled status where the detector is not configured to
operate with the X-ray base station 12. For example, the detectors 14 may
include among them an active detector 22, one or more inactive detectors
16 and 18, or an unenabled detector 20. Of course, the particular terms
used for such designations may be different, and the terms "active",
"inactive" and "unenabled" used in the present discussion are not
intended to be limiting or to imply any particular functionality or lack
thereof other than as described.

[0018] A patient may be located between the X-ray source 26 and one of the
detectors 14. During an imaging sequence, the detector 14 receives X-rays
that pass through the patient and transmits imaging data to a base unit
28. The multiple detectors 14 are in communication with a base unit 28.
The base unit 28 houses systems electronic circuitry 30 that detects the
detectors, acquires image data from the detectors, and processes the data
to form desired images. In addition, the systems electronic circuitry 30
both provides and controls power to the X-ray source 26 and the wheeled
base 24 (for mobile systems). The base unit 28 also has an operator
workstation 32 that enables a user operate the wireless X-ray system 10.
The recognized detectors 14 detected by the systems electronic circuitry
30 are displayed on a display 34.

[0019]FIG. 2 illustrates diagrammatically the wireless X-ray system 10 of
FIG. 1. The X-ray base station 12 includes a source of X-ray radiation
26. The source 12 is controlled by a power supply 36 which furnishes both
power and control signals for examination sequences. In addition, in
mobile imaging systems the power supply 36 furnishes power to a mobile
drive unit 38 of the wheeled base 24. The power supply 36 is responsive
to signals from a system controller 40. In general, system controller 40
commands operation of the imaging system to execute examination protocols
and to process acquired image data. In the present context, system
controller 40 also includes signal processing circuitry, typically based
upon a general purpose or application-specific digital computer,
associated memory circuitry for storing programs and routines executed by
the computer, as well as configuration parameters and image data,
interface circuits, and so forth. The system controller 40 may include or
may be responsive to a processor 42. The processor 42 receives image data
from the detector 14 and processes the data to reconstruct an image of a
subject.

[0020] Also, the processor 42 is linked to detection circuitry 44 for
detecting the presence of detectors within the operative range of the
X-ray base station 12. If no detector 14 is active within the operative
range of the X-ray base station 12, the processor 42 may send a signal to
the system controller 40 to disable or inhibit the emission of X-rays
from the X-ray base station 12. The detection circuitry 44 is also linked
to the system controller 40. The detection circuitry 44 is linked to a
wireless communication interface 46 that allows wireless communication
with the detectors within the operative range of the X-ray base station
12. Further, the detection circuitry 44 is linked to a wired
communication interface 48 that allows communication with a detector 14
connected to the X-ray base station 12 via a tether (e.g., a
multi-conductor cable). The X-ray base station 12 may also be in
communication with a server. The processor 40 is also linked to a memory
50, an input device 52, and the display 34. The memory 50 stores detector
identification data, configuration parameters, and calibration files
received from multiple detectors 14. The input device 52 may include a
mouse, keyboard, or any other device for receiving user input to select
or associate detectors 14 for use with the X-ray system 10, as well as to
acquire images using the X-ray base station 12. The display 36 allows
visualization of output system parameters, images, lists of detectors 14
within operative range of the X-ray base station 12, statuses of
detectors 14, and so forth.

[0021] The detector 14 includes a wireless communication interface 54 for
wireless communication with the X-ray base station 12, as well as a wired
communication interface 56, for communicating with the detector when it
is tethered to the X-ray base station 12. The detector 14 may also be in
communication with a server. It is noted that the wireless communication
interface 54 may utilize any suitable wireless communication protocol,
such as an ultra wideband (UWB) communication standard, a Bluetooth
communication standard, or any 802.11 communication standard. Moreover,
detector 14 is coupled to a detector controller 58 which coordinates the
control of the various detector functions. For example, detector
controller 58 may execute various signal processing and filtration
functions, such as for initial adjustment of dynamic ranges, interleaving
of digital image data, and so forth. The detector controller 58 is
responsive to signals from the system controller 40, as well as the
detection circuitry 44. The detector controller 58 is linked to a
processor 60. The processor 60, the detector controller 58, and all of
the circuitry receive power from a power supply 62. The power supply 62
may include a battery. Alternatively, the detector 14, including the
power supply 62, may receive power from the power supply 36 when tethered
to the X-ray base station 12.

[0022] Also, the processor 60 is linked to detector interface circuitry
64. The detector 14 converts X-ray photons received on its surface to
lower energy photons. The detector 14 includes a detector array 66 that
includes an array of photodetectors to convert the light photons to
electrical signals. Alternatively, the detector 14 may convert the X-ray
photons directly to electrical signals. These electrical signals are
converted to digital values by the detector interface circuitry 64 which
provides the values to the processor 60 to be converted to imaging data
and sent to the X-ray base station 12 to reconstruct an image of the
features within a subject. Alternatively, the imaging data may be sent
from the detector 14 to a server to process the imaging data.

[0023] The processor 60 is also linked to an illumination circuit 68. The
detector controller 58, in response to a signal received from the X-ray
base station 12, may send a signal to the processor 60 to signal the
illumination circuit 68 to illuminate a light to indicate the active
status (or where desired, any status) of the detector 14 in response to
the signal. Further, the processor is linked to a memory 70. The memory
70 may store various configuration parameters, calibration files, and
detector identification data. The detector identification data may
include a serial number, a MAC address, a name associated with the
detector, or other identifier data (e.g., color or shape). In addition,
the memory 70 may store a list of all the X-ray systems 10 with which the
detector 14 is configured to operate, as well as a table that defines the
compatibility of the detector 14 with specific versions of X-ray systems
10 and/or software versions.

[0024] In order for the wireless X-ray system 10 to coordinate the
operation of the system 10 when multiple detectors 14 are within the
operative range of the X-ray base station 12, as shown in FIG. 1, any
detector 14 to be used with the X-ray base station 12 needs to be
registered to enable the use of the detector 14 with the system 10. The
routine for automatic configuration of the detector 14 may occur as
previously described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/164,438,
filed Nov. 22, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference. FIG. 3
illustrates the X-ray base station 12 of FIG. 1 tethered to the detector
14 for configuration (or enabling) of the detector 14 for operation with
the X-ray system 10. The detector 14 is connected to X-ray base station
12 via a cable or tether 72 in order to register the detector 14. In a
presently contemplated embodiment, the detector 14 need only be tethered
once to the X-ray base station 12 for registration with the X-ray system
10 (although it could be tethered when desired). Also, in some
embodiments the registration may occur wirelessly. In embodiments
utilizing wireless registration, the detectors 14 may include a button
that may be pressed in response to instructions received from the X-ray
base station 12 to select the detector 14 for registration, whereupon the
selection may be confirmed via a blinking light or some other indicator.
After registration, any upgrades (e.g., of the configuration data) or
changes in the status of the detector 14 may occur wirelessly. Upon
connecting the detector 14 to the X-ray base station 12 during
registration, the wireless communication (e.g., via UWB) between the
connected detector 14, as well as the other detectors 14 within operative
range, and the X-ray system 10 is disabled. The wireless X-ray system 10
transfers system identification data to the detector 14. The detector 14
transfers to the X-ray system 10 calibration files and operation
parameters, such as the initial bad pixel maps and a gain map, as well as
the firmware and software versions used by the detector 14 during
registration. The X-ray system 10 verifies the detector firmware and
software versions with the system 10. If the firmware or software is
incompatible or out of date, then the system 10 updates the firmware or
software on the detector 14. The detector 14 also transfers detector
identification data, such as a serial number for the detector 14, to the
system 10 during registration. The X-ray system 10 may also receive a
list of other systems 10 registered with the detector 14. Each detector
14 may have a limited capacity as to the number of systems 10 associated
with the detector 14. The X-ray system 10 may offer the user the capacity
to manage the list of systems 10 registered or associated with the
detector 14. The detector 14 and systems 10 may also be associated as
described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/776,166, entitled
"SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INDICATING ASSOCIATION BETWEEN AUTONOMOUS DETECTOR
AND IMAGING SUBSYSTEM" filed on May 7, 2010, which is hereby incorporated
by reference.

[0025] Upon connecting the detector 14 with the X-ray base station 12 via
the tether 72, the user may register and assign a status to detector 14
relative to the X-ray system 10 via the operator workstation 32. FIG. 4
illustrates an example of a screen 74 shown on the display 34 of the
X-ray base station 12 during the registration of the detector 14. The
screen 74 represents only one example of what the screen 74 may look like
and different versions of the screen 74 may be employed by one of
ordinary skill in the art to register the detector 14. As illustrated,
the screen 74 includes serial number indicator 76 of the detector 14
being registered. As mentioned above, the serial number is automatically
provided to the X-ray system 10. The screen 74 also includes an option 77
to select an identification type to be registered. The available
identification type selections include an option 79 to select a name or
an option 81 to select a color and shape for registration. Upon selecting
the identification type, a field 78 for the user to input a name or
identifier data (e.g., color and shape) for the detector 14 appears. The
screen 74 illustrates field 78 for the detector name. Alternatively, the
field 78 may be for identifier data. If the name or identifier of the
detector 14 inputted is already in use by another detector 14, the user
is notified by the system 10 in order to input a different name.

[0026] To further help in the identification of the detectors 14, one or
more identification mechanisms may be employed physically on the detector
14 and used in conjunction with the registration of the detector 14 with
the system 10. For example, the detector 14 may be indentified with a
shape (e.g., circle, rectangle, triangle, etc.) and the shape may be
color coded (e.g., blue, purple, yellow, etc.) to help further identify
the detector 14. Additionally, the detector 14 may include rings that
snap on to a handle of the detector 14 to help identify the detector 14.
The rings may be color-coded or have other identifying data attached to
them. Further, programmable electronic displays may be embedded in the
detectors 14. These electronic displays may be programmed with a name,
number, or symbol for the identification of the detector.

[0027] The screen 74 also includes an option 80 to assign the detector 14
an active status corresponding to a designation of the X-ray detector 14
as a desired recipient of radiation during a current X-ray imaging
sequence. If the user does not assign the detector 14 the active status,
then by default the detector 14 is assigned inactive status. However, in
some embodiments, the screen 74 may include an option to assign the
detector 14 an inactive status corresponding to a designation of the
X-ray detector 14 as not the desired recipient of radiation during a
current X-ray imaging sequence. Following registration, the detector need
not be registered again with the X-ray system 10. Also, any subsequent
updates of the detector 14 may be communicated wirelessly.

[0028] Besides registering detectors 14 in the coordination of multiple
detectors 14, the X-ray system 10 recognizes the status of each detector
14 within the operative range of the X-ray base station 12 and provides a
user-viewable screen to view the statuses of each detector 14, as well as
to change the status of each detector 14. FIG. 5 illustrates an example
of a user-viewable screen 84 shown on the display 34 of the X-ray base
station 12 when multiple detectors are in the operative range of the
X-ray base station 12 for use by a user 86. This screen 84 may appear
either during the booting up of the X-ray system 10, a return of the
system 10 from standby, or during imaging acquisition mode. The screen 84
may also be brought up by the user from other screens. As FIG. 5
illustrates the presence of active detector 22 (Beta), inactive detectors
16 and 18 (Bob and Alpha, respectively), and unregistered or unenabled
detector 20. The user-viewable screen 84 lists all of the detectors 14
powered on within the operative range of the X-ray base station 12. The
screen 84 includes a name 88 assigned for each detector 14. If the status
of the detector 14 is unenabled (e.g., unregistered detector 20), the
name 88 of detector 20 may be displayed as unregistered. A serial number
90 of each detector 14 and a signal strength 92 of the currently active
detector 22 are also included on the screen 84. In the illustrated
implementation, the signal strength 92 is only available for the active
detector 22. Also, the serial numbers 90 are only listed for registered
or enabled detectors 16, 18. The screen 84 lists the active detector 22
at the top and may provide an additional indication of the active
detector 22, such as an asterisk. In the absence of an active detector
22, the X-ray base station 12 is disabled or inhibited from emitting
X-rays.

[0029] The screen 84 also provides multiple options to the user 86 to
coordinate the operation of the detectors 14 within the operative range
of the X-ray base station 12. The screen 84 provides the user 86 the
ability to select from among the registered detectors (16, 18, or 22) via
the input device 52 located at the operator workstation 32. Then, the
user may select a button 94 from screen 84 to make the selected detector
14 active. The user is also provided on screen 84 the option of selecting
a button 96 to refresh the list to show the current status of each
detector 14 within operative range. In some embodiments, the button 96
may be absent and the list may automatically refresh. A third option is
provided to the user to identify among the detectors 14 the active
detector 22. The user 86 may select a button 98 on the screen 84 to
identify the active detector 22 via the input device 52. Upon selection
of the identification button 98, the active detector 22 emits a
user-discernible indication to identify the detector 22 as active. For
example, the active detector 22 may have an LED that illuminates a light
100. The LED may blink repeatedly for a predetermined time (e.g., 10
seconds). Alternatively, the user-discernable indication may include an
audible tone or a combination of the audible tone and light 100. The
option of identifying the active detector 22 may only be available to the
user 86 if the active detector 22 is selected from the list.

[0030] During acquisition of image data with an X-ray system 10, the
system 10 includes additional features to coordinate the operation of
detectors 14 within operative range. FIG. 6 illustrates a user-viewable
screen 102 that may be shown on the display 34 of the X-ray base station
12. The user-viewable screen 102 includes patient identification
information 104 (e.g., patient's name), as well as settings for exposure
parameters 106 of the system 10. The screen 102 also provides the user
the ability to select the desired mode for acquisition of images. The
following modes represent only a few examples of modes available. The
modes available may vary depending on the type of imaging system used.
For example, a fixed imaging system may have a mode to select a detector
14 associated with a wall stand. The selection of icon 108 on screen 102
allows the user to acquire images using a film cassette. Alternatively,
the selection of icon 110 allows the user to acquire images using digital
X-ray detectors 14. In the digital detector mode, the screen 102 includes
an indicator 112 identifying the active detector 22. In some embodiments,
the indicator 112A includes the registered detector name and serial
number of the detector 14. In other embodiments, the indicator 112B
includes the registered detector name and an icon of a detector 14. If
other detectors 14, besides the active detector 22, are identified within
the operative range of the X-ray base station 12, individual icons for
each detector 14 may appear on the screen 102 in some embodiments. These
icons may include the name of the detector or other identifying data.
Also, if multiple detectors are identified, a multiple detector icon 114
appears indicating that multiple detectors 14 are present. Selection of
the multiple detector icon 114 allows the user to view the screen 84 of
FIG. 5 listing all of the identified detectors 14. In some embodiments,
the screen 102 may include icons for each available detector 14 to allow
the user to select from the icons and to activate the desired detector
14.

[0031] The screen 102 further includes a detector status icon 116 that
informs the user of the current status of the active detector 22, the
absence of enabled detectors 14 within operative range, or if a detector
14 is connected to the system 10. The status icon 116 may appear on all
of the user-interface screens. The detector status icon 116 at the bottom
of the screen 102 in FIG. 6 illustrates an active detector battery status
icon 118. The active battery status icon 118 indicates the available
power left within the battery of the active detector 22 via a visual
means (e.g., a line 120 or some other indicator) that indicates the power
level of the battery. The detector status icon 116 may display other
icons. For example, icon 122 indicates the absence of the active detector
22 operative range of the X-ray base station 12. When no detectors 14 are
identified by the X-ray system 10, then the detector status icon 116
displays a detector icon 124 to indicate no detector 14 is available. As
mentioned above, the absence of an active detector 22 results in the
disabling or inhibition of the X-ray base station 12 from emitting X-rays
while in the digital detector mode. A tethered detector icon 126 may also
be available. The tethered detector icon 126 appears when detector 14 is
tethered to the X-ray base station 12. When detector 14 is tethered, the
indicator 112 indicates the identity of the tethered detector 14, even if
the tethered detector 14 is not the active detector 22 associated with
the X-ray system. Upon disconnecting the tether 72, the indicator 112
once again identifies the active detector 22. If the active detector 22
is in sleep mode, a detector sleep mode icon 128 appears. In order to
wake up the active detector 22, the user must press the power on button
of the active detector 22. Other detector status icons 116 may be
included to represent additional states of the active detector 22 (e.g.,
docking of the active detector 22).

[0032] The ability of the X-ray system 10 to coordinate multiple detectors
14 may be useful to the user under special circumstances, such as trauma
situations. In such situations, medical personnel may prefer to move the
injured person as little as possible. The ability to switch between
multiple detectors 14 for imaging may reduce the need to move the injured
person. FIG. 7 illustrates the use of multiple detectors 14 in such
situations. FIG. 7 includes an X-ray system 10 that includes a patient
130 placed on a table 132 underneath the X-ray source 26. The system 10
also includes two enabled detectors 134 and 136 underneath the patient
132. Use of the detector coordination system, described above in FIGS. 5
and 6, allows a user to make either detector 134 or 136 active and a
desired recipient of radiation during an X-ray imaging sequence of a
first portion of the patient's anatomy. Following this X-ray imaging
sequence, the source 26 may be moved and the other detector 134 or 136
not active in imaging the first portion of the patient's anatomy may be
made active to be a desired recipient of radiation during a subsequent
imaging sequence of a second portion of the patient's anatomy. The
selection of either detector 134 or 136 as active makes the other
detector 134 or 136 inactive.

[0033] Multiple scenarios may occur during the coordination of multiple
X-ray detectors 14. For example, as briefly mentioned above, a detector
may be tethered to the X-ray base station 12 in the presence of other
detectors. FIG. 8 illustrates the wireless X-ray system 10 that includes
multiple detectors 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 located within the operative
range of the X-ray base station 12. Detector 16 is coupled to the X-ray
base station 12 via tether 72. If the X-ray system 10 is in acquisition
mode to acquire an image of a subject, the tethered detector 16 may be
used in acquiring the image data regardless of the status of the detector
14 relative to the system (active, inactive, unregistered). In addition,
as mentioned above, when the tethered detector 16 is connected the
wireless communication is disabled between the detectors 16, 18, 20, and
22 with the X-ray system 10. As described in FIG. 6, the tethered
detector icon 126 appears on the display 34. If the user connects
detector 16 after the start of the acquisition mode and activating one of
the available detectors 18, 20, or 22, the system 10 generates an error
message for the user on the display 34 indicating the desired detector
18, 20, or 22 cannot be found. In addition, the tethered detector icon
126 appears on the display 34.

[0034] FIG. 9 illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary method 138 for
coordinating the operation of X-ray detectors 14. The method 138 includes
detecting multiple X-ray detectors 14 within the operating range of the
X-ray base station (block 140). As described above, only detectors 14
powered on are detected by the X-ray system 10. After detecting the
multiple X-ray detectors 14, the system 10 determines the status of each
X-ray detector 14 (block 142). The status of each detector 14 may be
active, inactive, or disabled, as described above. If no active detector
14 is registered with or detected by the system 10, then the emission of
X-rays is disabled or inhibited (block 144) from the X-ray base station
12, if the system 10 is in digital detector mode. Upon determining the
status of each detector 14, a visible indication of the status of each
X-ray detector 14 is displayed on a user-viewable screen of the display
34 (block 146).

[0035] Multiple scenarios may occur after the display of each detector
status. In one scenario, the user selects from the detected X-ray
detectors 14 (block 148). Upon selection of one of the detectors 14, a
visible indication of the status of the selected X-ray detector 14 is
displayed (block 150). In another scenario, the user initiates a change
in the active status among the detected detectors 14 (block 152). If a
first detector 14 is already active, then a second detector 14 needs to
be selected for active status by the user. In order to confer active
status to the second detector 14, the system 10 makes a determination of
whether the second detector 14 is enabled with the system 10 (block 154).
If the second detector 14 is not enabled, then the second detector 14 is
tethered to the X-ray base station 12 (block 156). After tethering, the
second detector 14 is configured (block 158), as described above. If the
second detector 14 is enabled, then the second detector 14 is made active
and the first detector is made inactive (block 160). Following the change
in status, a visible indication of the active status of the first
detector 14 and the inactive status of the second detector 14 is
displayed on a user-viewable screen of the display 32 (block 162). In a
further scenario, the user selects a detector 14 with the active status
for identification (block 164). In response to the user selection, the
detector 14 with the active status emits a visible identification (block
166), such as the illumination of light from an LED described above. In
alternative embodiments, the selection of the detector 14 for active
status may occur differently. For example, the detector 14 may include a
button or some other means that when pressed by the user makes the X-ray
base station 12 aware that the detector 14 is the desired detector 14 for
active status. In response to this indication, the X-ray base station 12
may recognize the detector 14 as the active detector 22.

[0036] The wireless X-ray detector coordination system described above
allows the user to use the same detector 14 on multiple X-ray systems 10
during the hospital workflow. In addition, the coordination system allows
the user to update the X-ray system 10 to use a new detector without the
assistance of a field engineer. Further, the coordination system reduces
the need for retakes by the user due to exposures occurring on the wrong
detector 14 or if the calibration data of the detector 14 was not loaded
on the X-ray system.

[0037] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,
including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art
to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or
systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of
the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples
that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended
to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements
that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they
include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences
from the literal languages of the claims.